CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [001] The current application claims priority under 35 Ei.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/929,649, filed on November 1, 2019 and entitled “CHARGING CASE FOR HANDHELD NASAL STIMULATOR,” which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[002] The subject matter described herein relates to embodiments of a handheld nasal stimulator and charging case configured to charge the handheld nasal stimulator.

BACKGROUND

[003] Dry Eye Disease (“DED”) is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. More than 40 million people in North America have some form of dry eye, and many millions more suffer worldwide. DED results from the disruption of the natural tear film on the surface of the eye, and can result in ocular discomfort, visual disturbance and a reduction in vision-related quality of life. Activities of daily living such as driving, computer use, housework and reading have also been shown to be negatively impacted by DED. Patients with severe cases of DED are at risk for serious ocular health deficiencies such as corneal ulceration, and can experience a quality of life deficiency comparable to that of moderate- severe angina.

[004] The etiology of DED is becoming increasingly well understood. DED is progressive in nature, and fundamentally results from insufficient tear coverage on the surface of the eye. This poor tear coverage prevents healthy gas exchange and nutrient transport for the ocular surface, promotes cellular desiccation and creates a poor refractive surface for vision. Poor tear coverage typically results from: 1) insufficient aqueous tear production from the lacrimal glands (e.g. secondary to post-menopausal hormonal deficiency, auto-immune disease, LASIK surgery, etc.), and/or 2) excessive evaporation of aqueous tear resulting from dysfunction of the meibomian glands. Low tear volume causes a hyperosmolar environment that induces an inflamed state of the ocular surface. This inflammatory response induces apoptosis of the surface cells which in turn prevents proper distribution of the tear film on the ocular surface so that any given tear volume is rendered less effective. This initiates a vicious cycle where more inflammation can ensue causing more surface cell damage, etc. Additionally, the neural control loop, which controls reflex tear activation, is disrupted because the sensory neurons in the surface of the eye are damaged. As a result, fewer tears are secreted and a second vicious cycle develops that results in further progression of the disease (fewer tears cause nerve cell loss, which results in fewer tears, etc.). Accordingly, treatment and devices for effectively treating dry eye is desired.

SUMMARY

[005] Aspects of the current subject matter can include various embodiments of a charging case that can charge various embodiments of a handheld nasal stimulator. In one aspect, a charging case can include a housing having a first housing side and a second housing side. The first housing side and the second housing side can be configured to form a protective cover around the handheld nasal stimulator when the first housing side and the second housing side are in a closed configuration. The charging case can further include a positioning feature positioned along an inside surface of the first housing side, and the positioning feature can be shaped to conform to a first side of the handheld nasal stimulator. The charging case can also include a housing charging feature positioned along the positioning feature, and the housing charging feature can provide a conductive pathway between a power source and a stimulator charging feature positioned along the first side of the handheld nasal stimulator. In some embodiments, the positioning feature can secure a position of the handheld nasal stimulator within the charging case such that the housing charging feature contacts the stimulator charging feature for allowing the power source to charge the handheld nasal stimulator.

[006] In some variations one or more of the following features can optionally be included in any feasible combination. The stimulator charging feature can be in electrical communication with a rechargeable battery contained in the handheld nasal stimulator. The charging case can further include an indicator for providing at least one indication of a charging state of the handheld nasal stimulator. For example, the indicator can include at least one light source. In some embodiments, the handheld nasal stimulator can include a stimulator body and a stimulator probe that is releasably coupled to the stimulator body. The positioning feature can include a recess along the inside surface of the first housing, and the recess can be shaped to conform to at least the stimulator body of the handheld nasal stimulator. The housing charging feature can be spring loaded and positioned along a part of the positioning feature that conforms to the stimulator body of the handheld nasal stimulator.

[007] In another aspect, a nasal stimulator system is described that includes a handheld nasal stimulator. The handheld nasal stimulator can include a stimulator body including a rechargeable battery and a stimulator probe that is releasably coupled to the stimulator body. The stimulator probe can include at least one electrode. The handheld nasal stimulator can further include a stimulator charging feature in electrical communication with the rechargeable battery. The nasal stimulator system can further include a charging case including a housing having a first housing side and a second housing side. The first housing side and the second housing side can be configured to form a protective cover around the handheld nasal stimulator when the first housing side and the second housing side are in a closed configuration. The charging case can further include a positioning feature positioned along an inside surface of the first housing side, and the positioning feature can be shaped to conform to a first side of the handheld nasal stimulator. The charging case can also include a housing charging feature positioned along the positioning feature, and the housing charging feature can provide a conductive pathway between a power source and the stimulator charging feature positioned along the first side of the handheld nasal stimulator. For example, the positioning feature can secure a position of the handheld nasal stimulator within the charging case such that the housing charging feature contacts the stimulator charging feature for allowing the power source to charge the handheld nasal stimulator.

[008] In some variations one or more of the following features can optionally be included in any feasible combination. The rechargeable battery can be contained in the stimulator body. The charging case can further include an indicator for providing at least one indication of a charging state of the handheld nasal stimulator. For example, the indicator can include at least one light source. The positioning feature can include a recess along the inside surface of the first housing, and the recess can be shaped to conform to at least the stimulator body of the handheld nasal stimulator. The housing charging feature can be spring loaded and positioned along a part of the positioning feature that conforms to the stimulator body of the handheld nasal stimulator. The stimulator body can be reusable and the stimulator probe can be disposable. The stimulator probe can include at least one nasal insertion prong. The positioning feature can conform to a part of the stimulator probe.

[009] In another aspect, a method of charging a handheld nasal stimulator is described. The method can include positioning the handheld nasal stimulator within a charging case for allowing a power source to charge the handheld nasal stimulator. The charging case can include a housing including a first housing side and a second housing side and a positioning feature positioned along an inside surface of the first housing side. The positioning feature can be shaped to conform to a first side of the handheld nasal stimulator. The charging case can further include a housing charging feature positioned along the positioning feature, and the housing charging feature can provide a conductive pathway between the power source and a stimulator charging feature positioned along the first side of the handheld nasal stimulator. The positioning feature can secure a position of the handheld nasal stimulator within the charging case such that the housing charging feature contacts the stimulator charging feature for allowing the power source to charge the handheld nasal stimulator. Additionally, the method can further include charging a rechargeable battery of the handheld nasal stimulator.

[010] In another aspect, a wireless charging case is described for wirelessly charging a handheld nasal stimulator. The wireless charging case can include a housing having a first housing side and a second housing side, and the first housing side and the second housing side can be configured to form a protective cover around the handheld nasal stimulator when the first housing side and the second housing side are in a closed configuration. The wireless charging case can further include a primary induction coil configured to wirelessly communicate with a receiving induction coil for wirelessly charging the handheld nasal stimulator. The wireless charging case can also include a positioning feature positioned along an inside surface of the first housing side. The first positioning feature can be shaped to conform to a first side of the handheld nasal stimulator and secure a position of the handheld nasal stimulator within the charging case such that the primary induction coil wirelessly communicates with the receiving induction coil for charging the handheld nasal stimulator. For example, the positioning feature can position the handheld nasal stimulator within the wireless charging case such that the receiving induction coil is positioned adjacent the primary induction coil to allow wireless charging of the handheld nasal stimulator.

[Oil] In some variations one or more of the following features can optionally be included in any feasible combination. The receiving induction coil can be in electrical communication with a rechargeable battery contained in the handheld nasal stimulator. The handheld nasal stimulator can include a stimulator body and a stimulator probe that is releasably coupled to the stimulator body. The positioning feature can include a recess along the inside surface of the first housing, and the recess can be shaped to conform to at least the stimulator body of the handheld nasal stimulator.

[012] In another aspect, a method of wirelessly charging a handheld nasal stimulator is described. The method can include positioning the handheld nasal stimulator within a charging case configured to wirelessly charge the handheld nasal stimulator. The charging case can include a housing including a first housing side and a second housing side and a primary induction coil configured to wirelessly communicate with a receiving induction coil for wirelessly charging a rechargeable battery of the handheld nasal stimulator. The charging case can further include a positioning feature positioned along an inside surface of the first housing side, and the first positioning feature can be shaped to conform to a first side of the handheld nasal stimulator and secure a position of the handheld nasal stimulator within the charging case such that the primary induction coil wirelessly communicates with the receiving induction coil for charging the handheld nasal stimulator. The positioning feature can position the handheld nasal stimulator within the charging case such that the receiving induction coil is positioned adjacent the primary induction coil to allow wireless charging of the handheld nasal stimulator. Additionally, the method can further include wirelessly charging the rechargeable battery of the handheld nasal stimulator.

[013] The details of one or more variations of the subject matter described herein are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features and advantages of the subject matter described herein will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[014] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, show certain aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and, together with the description, help explain some of the principles associated with the disclosed implementations. In the drawings,

[015] FIGS. 1A, IB, 1C, ID, IE show perspective, front, back, cut-away back, and cut-away side views, respectively, of an illustrative variation of a handheld stimulator device;

[016] FIG. 2 shows a block diagram schematically representing a variation of the handheld stimulator device;

[017] FIG. 3 A illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of a charging case for charging an embodiment of the handheld stimulator device;

[018] FIG. 3B illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment of the handheld stimulator device configured to couple to and be charged by the charging case of FIG. 3 A;

[019] FIG. 3C illustrates a top perspective view of the handheld stimulator device of FIG. 3B coupled to an inside surface of the charging case of FIG. 3 A;

[020] FIG. 3D illustrates a side cross-section view of the handheld stimulator device of FIG. 3B contained within the charging case of FIG. 3 A;

[021] FIG. 3E illustrates a side perspective view of the charging case of FIG. 3A shown in a closed configuration and an illuminated charging state indicator;

[022] FIG. 4 shows a diagram schematically representing an embodiment of a power line communication scheme that allows an embodiment of the stimulator body to communicate with an embodiment of the charging case;

[023] FIG. 5A illustrates a top cut-away view of an embodiment of a handheld stimulator device including an induction coil for wireless charging of the handheld stimulator device; and [024] FIG. 5B illustrates a side perspective cross-section view of the handheld stimulator device of FIG. 5 A contained within an embodiment of a charging case including an induction coil for wirelessly charging the handheld stimulator device.

[025] When practical, similar reference numbers denote similar structures, features, or elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[026] This disclosure describes devices, systems, and methods related to protecting and charging a handheld stimulator that is configured to treat one or more conditions (e.g., dry eye) by providing stimulation to tissue. For example, the stimulator devices and systems may be configured to stimulate nasal, sinus, and/or facial tissue. In some variations, the stimulator devices may comprise a stimulator body and a stimulator probe, where the stimulator probe comprises one or more nasal insertion prongs. The stimulus delivered by the stimulators described herein may be electrical. When the devices and systems are used to treat dry eye, the methods may comprise stimulating nasal or sinus tissue to increase tear production, reduce the symptoms of dry eye, or improve ocular appearance and/or health.

[027] Some systems described herein include a stimulator device (e.g., handheld nasal stimulator) and a charging case that can efficiently and effectively charge the stimulator device. In some embodiments, the charging case can provide a protective cover around the stimulator device, such as while being charged. Additionally, the stimulator device can include at least one stimulator charging feature that is configured to contact a housing charging feature positioned along the charging case. For example, in some embodiments, when the stimulator device is coupled to a part of the charging case, the stimulator device can include a pair of stimulator charging contacts that are positioned along the stimulator device such that they align with and contact a pair of housing charging features along the charging case. As such, when the stimulator charging contacts are contacting the pair of housing charging features, a conductive pathway can be formed between a rechargeable battery of the stimulator device and a power source that is either a part of or external to the charging case. This conductive pathway can allow charging of the rechargeable battery of the stimulator device, as will be described in greater detail below.

[028] In some embodiments, the stimulator device and charging case can each include an induction coil that allows a rechargeable battery of the stimulator device to be wirelessly recharged by the charging case.

[029] In some embodiments, the charging case includes at least one indicator (e.g., LED) configured to provide one or more indications associated with a charging state of the stimulator device (e.g., charging, fully charged, etc.). Other features and functions associated with the charging case and stimulator device are described in greater detail below. The various charging case embodiments and features described herein can provide an efficient and effective way to charge and protect a stimulator device, as well as indicate a charging state of the stimulator to a user.

[030] FIGS. 1A, IB, 1C, ID, IE show perspective, front, back, cut-away back, and cut-away side views, respectively, of an illustrative variation of a handheld stimulator device 100, respectively. FIG. 2 shows a block diagram schematically representing the stimulator device 100. As shown in FIGS. 1A-1E, the stimulator device 100 may comprise a stimulator body 102 and a stimulator probe 104. The stimulator body 102 may be configured to generate a stimulus that may be delivered to a subject. The stimulator body 102 may include a control subsystem 136 and a power source 152, which together may generate and control the stimulus.

[031] The stimulus may be delivered to a subject via the stimulator probe 104. In some variations the stimulator body 102 and stimulator probe 104 may be reversibly attachable. Some or all of the stimulator device 100 may be disposable. In other variations, one or more portions of the stimulator device 100 may be reusable. For example, in variations where the stimulator probe 104 is releasably connected to the stimulator body 102, the stimulator body 102 may be reusable, and the stimulator probe 104 may be disposable and periodically replaced, as described in more detail below. The stimulator probe 104 may comprise at least one nasal insertion prong, which may be configured to be at least partially inserted into the nasal cavity of a subject or patient. In the handheld stimulator variation shown in FIGS. 1 A- 1E, the stimulator probe 104 may comprise two nasal insertion prongs 106 and 108.

[032] In some variations, the stimulus may be electrical. In these instances, each nasal insertion prong 106, 108 may comprise at least one electrode. As shown, the probe 104 may comprise a first electrode 110 on nasal insertion prong 106 and a second electrode 112 on nasal insertion prong 108. As shown in the cut-away view of the stimulator device 100 in FIG. ID, the electrodes 110 and 112 may be connected to leads 130 and 132 located within prongs 106 and 108, respectively. The leads 130 and 132 may connect directly or indirectly to the control subsystem 136 and power source 152 (e.g., a rechargeable battery). As such, the electrical stimulus may travel from the control subsystem 136 and/or power source 152, through the leads 130 and 132, and through the electrodes 110 and 112.

[033] The stimulator body 102 may comprise a user interface 230 comprising one or more operating mechanisms to adjust one or more parameters of the stimulus. The operating mechanisms may provide information to the control subsystem 136, which may comprise a processor 232, memory 234, and/or stimulation subsystem 236, as shown schematically in FIG. 2. In some variations, the operating mechanisms of the user interface 230 may comprise first and second buttons 114 and 116, such as for controlling the stimulation delivered from the stimulator device 100. The user interface 230 may also comprise one or more feedback elements (e.g., based on light, sound, vibration, or the like). For example, the user feedback elements may comprise light-based indicators 118 that can provide charging related information to the user.

[034] As discussed above, the stimulator device 100 may comprise a power source 152. The power source 152 may be any suitable power supply capable of powering one or more functions of the stimulator device 100, such as one or more batteries, capacitors, or the like. In some variations, the stimulator body 102 may comprise a rechargeable battery. For example, the stimulator body 102 can include at least one stimulator charging feature (e.g., charging contact) along a surface of the stimulator body 102 that is in electrical communication with the rechargeable battery. Additionally, the at least one stimulator charging feature can be configured to contact a charging feature associated with the power source 152 for allowing charging of the rechargeable battery.

[035] As discussed above, some embodiments of the stimulator device 100 include a reusable stimulator body 102 and a disposable stimulator probe 104. In such an embodiment, the stimulator probe 104 may releasably couple to the stimulator body 102. For example, the stimulator body 102 may be configured to include the power source 152 (e.g., rechargeable battery) that produces an electrical stimulation waveform and the stimulator probe 104 may be configured to be inserted in a nasal cavity of a user to deliver neurostimulation therapy (e.g., deliver stimulus to nasal mucosa). For example, after use of the stimulator probe 104, the contaminated stimulator probe 104 can be uncoupled from the stimulator body 102 and disposed of. Additionally, the stimulator body 102 can be reused with a new and sanitary stimulator probe 104.

[036] FIGS. 3A-3E illustrate an embodiment of a stimulator charging system 340 including an embodiment of a charging case 350 and an embodiment of a handheld stimulator device 300 configured to be charged by the charging case 350. For example, the stimulator device 300 can include a rechargeable battery 352 within the stimulator body 302, as shown in FIG. 3D, that can be recharged via electrical energy that is distributed via the charging case 350. The charging case 350 can also provide a protective cover for the stimulator device 300, such as during storage and charging of the stimulator device 300. As such, the stimulator charging system 340 can provide efficient use and protection of the stimulator device 300 by including a charging case 350 that can protect and charge the stimulator device 300. Additionally, such protection and charging of the stimulator device 300 can be done with an embodiment of the stimulator probe 304 attached to an embodiment of the stimulator body 302. Various embodiments and features of the charging case 350 and nasal stimulator device 300 are described in greater detail below.

[037] As shown in FIG. 3B, the stimulator device 300 can include a reusable stimulator body 302 and a disposable stimulator probe 304 that can be releasably coupled to the stimulator body 302, such as described above with respect to the stimulator of FIGS. 1A- 1E. Furthermore, the stimulator device 300 can include any of the features and functions described above with respect to the stimulator device 100 of FIGS. 1A-1E. Additionally, the stimulator body 302 can include a rechargeable power source or rechargeable battery 352, as well as a pair of stimulator charging features 370 (e.g., charging contacts) positioned along the stimulator body 302. The stimulator charging features 370 can be in electrical communication with the rechargeable battery 352 to allow a power source to recharge the rechargeable battery 352, as will be described in greater detail below.

[038] As shown in FIG. 3 A and 3B, the charging case 350 can include a housing 351 having a first side 355 and a second side 358 that can pivot relative to each other between a closed configuration (as shown, for example, in FIG. 3D) and an open configuration (as shown, for example, in FIG. 3 A). For example, in some embodiments the charging case 350 can include one or more closure features 354 on the first side 355 and/or second side 358 of the housing 351. For example, a closure feature 354 can be positioned along at least a part of an edge of the first side 355 and/or second side 358 of the housing and/or along an inner surface 356 of the housing. The closure feature 354 can be configured to releasably couple the first side 355 and the second side 358 to allow the charging case 350 to form an open configuration and a closed configuration. For example, the closure features 354 can include a first closure feature along the first side 355 that forms a friction fit or snap fit with a second closure feature along the second side 358 such that when the charging case 350 is in the closed configuration, the first closure feature and the second closure feature releasably couple to secure the housing 351 in the closed configuration.

[039] In some embodiments, the housing 351 can include one or more closure features 354, such as magnets, for assisting with securing the housing 351 in a closed configuration and ensuring that a compressive force is placed on the housing charging feature 357 by the stimulator charging feature 370, thereby forming sufficient contact between the housing charging feature 357 and the stimulator charging feature 370. As shown in FIG. 3A, the closure features 354 can be positioned adjacent a perimeter of either the first side 355 or the second side 358 of the housing. Other closure features 354, such as mechanical closure features, are within the scope of this disclosure.

[040] In some embodiments, the housing 351 can be injection molded with a living hinge 353, which can provide at least a benefit of being cost effective while providing precise alignment of the first side 355 relative to the second side 358, such as when housing 351 is in the closed configuration. Other hinge mechanisms for allowing the housing 351 to transition between open and closed configurations are within the scope of this disclosure.

[041] In some embodiments, the inner surface 356 of the first side 355 and/or second side 358 can include one or more positioning features 360 that can assist with at least positioning the stimulator device 300 within the housing 351, such as to ensure alignment and communication of charging features for charging the stimulator device 300. For example, the positioning features 360 can include a cradle or recessed impression that is in the shape of and/or can conform to at least a part of the nasal stimulator device 300. As shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D, each of the first side 355 and the second side 358 of the housing 351 can include a positioning feature 360 shaped to conform to an outer surface of the stimulator device 300. As shown in FIG. 3 A, the first side 355 of the housing 351 can include a first positioning feature 360a that is shaped to conform to a first side of the stimulator device 300, and the second side 358 of the housing 351 can include a second positioning feature 360b that conforms to a second, opposing side of the stimulator device 300. As such, when the charging case 350 is in the closed configuration and the stimulator device 300 is positioned in the first positioning feature 360a and second positioning feature 360b, the stimulator device 300 can be prevented from moving within the housing 351. For example, the first and/or second positioning features 360a, 360b can conform to one or more of the stimulator body 302 and the stimulator probe 304 to ensure that the stimulator device 300 is positioned in the correct orientation in the charging case 350. For example, incorrect placement and/or orientation of the stimulator device 300 in the charging case 350 can result in the charging case 350 being unable to close. This can assist with protecting the stimulator device 300 against damage. Additionally, by ensuring correct placement and orientation of the stimulator device 300 in the charging case 350, correct alignment between the stimulator device 300 and housing 351 can be maintained to ensure charging of the stimulator device 300, as will be described in greater detail below.

[042] As shown in FIG. 3B, the stimulator device 300 can include a pair of stimulator charging features 370 positioned along a surface (e.g., a back surface) of the stimulator body 302, which can be the reusable portion of the stimulator device 300 and house the rechargeable battery 352. As shown in FIGS. 3 A and 3D, the charging case 350 can include a pair of housing charging features 357 (e.g., spring loaded pogo pins) along an inner surface 356 part of the charging case 350 that is configured to conform to a back surface of the stimulator body 302, such as along the positioning feature 360 (e.g., cradle). As such, when the stimulator device 300 is coupled to the charging case 350, the housing charging features 357 can align with and contact the stimulator charging features 370. For example, in some embodiments, closure features 354 of the housing 351 can assist with maintaining a compressive force on the stimulator device 300, thereby forcing the stimulator charging features 370 against the housing charging features 357 to ensure efficient and effective charging of the stimulator device 300.

[043] In some embodiments, the housing charging features 357 can include spring loaded pogo pins that can be at least partly compressed or pushed into the housing 351 when the stimulator device 300 is coupled to the charging case 350. Such compression or movement by the housing charging features 357 can allow effective coupling (between the stimulator charging features 370 and the housing charging features 357) to be achieved even with dimensional variations of the stimulator device 300 and/or charging case 350, while also preventing damage to either the stimulator device 300 or charging case 350 (such as due to dimensional variations). For example, in some embodiments the spring loaded pogo pins of the housing charging features 357 can be compressed up to approximately 2mm, thereby ensuring dimensional variations with respect to the stimulator body 302 and positioning features 360 do not compromise the ability to make an effective electrical connection between the stimulator charging features 370 and the housing charging features 357. Furthermore, as discussed above, when the housing 351 is in the closed configuration, the positioning features 360 can prevent movement of the stimulator device 300 within the housing 351 thereby maintaining contact between the housing charging features 357 and the stimulator charging features 370, as shown in FIG. 3D.

[044] When the stimulator device 300 is coupled to the charging case 350 with the stimulator charging feature 370 in contact with the housing charging features 357, the charging case 350 can provide electrical communication between a charging power source and the rechargeable battery 352 of the stimulator device 300. In some embodiments, the charging case 350 includes the charging power source (e.g., the charging case 350 includes a rechargeable battery) that can charge the stimulator device 300. In some embodiments, the charging case 350 can include an electrical coupling feature and/or a power cord that provides electrical communication between the stimulator device 300 and an external power source (e.g., via a power outlet).

[045] In some embodiments, the charging case 350 can include one or more indicators 318 configured to indicate a charging state of the nasal stimulator device 300. As show in FIG. 3E, the indicator 318 of the charging case 350 can include a light source that can illuminate. For example, the indicator 318 can illuminate (or not illuminate) in one or more colors to indicate one or more charging states. For example, the indicator 318 can illuminate a first color (e.g., orange) to indicate that the stimulator device 300 is being charged (and thus is not fully charged) and illuminate a second color (e.g., blue) when the stimulator device 300 is not being charged (and thus is fully charged). Alternating states of light output (e.g., flashing) by the indicator 318 can also be used to communicate various states of charge. Furthermore, no illumination by the indicator 318 can indicate that the charging case 350 is not coupled to a power source or does not include any power (in the case where the charging case 350 includes a rechargeable power source). Various other indicators and charging state scenarios are within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the indicator 318 can provide sounds or vibrations to indicate a charging state.

[046] FIG. 4 shows a diagram schematically representing an embodiment of a power line communication scheme 490 that allows the stimulator body (e.g., stimulator body 302 including an embodiment of the control subsystem 136) to communicate with the charging case 350, such as to control the state of the charging case indicators 318 (e.g., LED’s). For example, such communication can occur over the same electrical connections the charging case 350 uses to charge the rechargeable battery 352 of the stimulator device 300.

[047] As shown in FIG. 4, a power phase and a data phase of a wired charging protocol are illustrated. For example, the wired charging communication and power transfer protocol can include a single, time division multiplexed connection. In some embodiments, the protocol consists of two sections: the power phase and the data phase.

[048] For example, during the power phase, the charging case 350 can control the bus and pass voltage and current to the stimulator body 302, thereby allowing charging of the rechargeable battery 352 of the stimulator device 300. The charging case 350 may vary the length of the power phase depending on whether the scheme needs to optimize data communication speed or power transfer. For example, a shorter power phase can indicate the data phase occurs more frequently and would, therefore, be more responsive to situation changes (e.g. changing the indicator 318 LED colors or detecting the presence or absence of the stimulator body 302 within the charging case 350). For example, a longer power phase can increase the duty cycle of charging and can allow for more power efficiency.

[049] Additionally, during the data phase, the charging case 350 and stimulator body 302 can perform a half-duplex communication. For example, the charging case 350 can transmit a single byte and the stimulator body 302 can, in turn, respond. During this phase the stimulator body 302 can optimize the channel for data communication speed and/or power transfer. A shorter power phase can allow the data phase to occur more frequently, which can result in greater responsiveness to situation changes (e.g. changing the indicator 318 LED colors and/or detecting the presence/removal of a stimulator body 302). In some implementations, a longer power phase can increase the duty cycle of charging, which can result in greater power efficiency. Other charging protocols are within the scope of this disclosure. [050] FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate embodiments of a stimulator device 500 and charging case 550 that are configured for wireless charging and can include any of the features and functions described above with respect to the stimulator device 100 of FIGS. 1 A-1E. In some embodiments, the stimulator device 500 can include a first induction coil 575 (e.g., a receiving induction coil) that is positioned to communicate with a second induction coil 577 (e.g., a primary induction coil) of the charging case 550, as shown in FIG. 5B. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the first induction coil 575 can be positioned within the stimulator body 502 and along and/or adjacent an outer housing of the stimulator body 502. For example, the first induction coil 575 can be positioned along a back side of the outer housing of the stimulator body 502.

[051] In some embodiments, the positioning features 560 of the charging case 550 can be configured to limit coupling of the stimulator device 500 to the charging case 550 such that the first induction coil 575 of the stimulator device 500 is secured in place adjacent (e.g., within a wireless charging range) to the second induction coil 577 when the stimulator device 500 is coupled to and/or contained within the charging case 550, as shown in FIG. 5B. Such positioning by the positioning features 560 can ensure efficient and effective wireless charging of the rechargeable battery of the stimulator device 500 by the charging case 550. For example, the positioning features 560 can include any one or more of the features and functions described above with respect to the positioning features 360 associated with the charging case 350 of FIG. 3A. Furthermore, the charging case 550 can include any of the features and functions of the charging case 350 described above with respect to FIGS. 3A-3E.

[052] In some embodiments, when external power is provided to the wireless charging case 550 (e.g., plugging the charging case 550 into an outlet) and a stimulator device 500 configured for wireless charging is properly placed in the positioning feature 560 of the charging case 550, thereby placing the first induction coil 575 and second induction coil 577 within a wireless charging range, the first and second induction coils 575, 577 can communicate to charge the rechargeable battery 552 of the stimulator device 500.

[053] With reference to FIG. 2, the processor 232 of the stimulator device 500 may be configured to control operation of the various subsystems of the control subsystem 136, which can be included in at least any of the stimulator device embodiments described herein (e.g., stimulator device 100, 300, and 500). The memory 234 may be configured to store programming instructions for the stimulator device 500, and the processor 232 may use these programming instructions in controlling operation of the stimulator device 500. The stimulation subsystem 236 may be configured to generate a stimulation signal and deliver the stimulation signal to a patient via the stimulator probe 504.

[054] Additionally or alternatively, the control subsystem 136 may comprise a communications subsystem. The communication subsystem may be configured to facilitate communication of data and/or energy between the stimulator device 500 and an external source. For example, in some variations the communications subsystem may be configured to allow the stimulator device 500 to communicate wirelessly (e.g., via WiFi, Bluetooth, or the like) with an external device (e.g., charging case 350, external programmer, base station, laptop or other computer, mobile device such as a mobile phone, tablet, wearable computer (e.g., optical head-mounted displays such as Google Glass™) or the like), and may comprise an antenna, coil, or the like.

[055] One or more aspects or features of the subject matter described herein can be realized in digital electronic circuitry, integrated circuitry, specially designed application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) computer hardware, firmware, software, and/or combinations thereof. These various aspects or features can include implementation in one or more computer programs that are executable and/or interpretable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor, which can be special or general purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. The programmable system or computing system may include clients and servers. A client and server are generally remote from each other and typically interact through a communication network. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship to each other.

[056] These computer programs, which can also be referred to as programs, software, software applications, applications, components, or code, include machine instructions for a programmable processor, and can be implemented in a high-level procedural language, an object-oriented programming language, a functional programming language, a logical programming language, and/or in assembly/machine language. As used herein, the term “machine-readable medium” refers to any computer program product, apparatus and/or device, such as for example magnetic discs, optical disks, memory, and Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), used to provide machine instructions and/or data to a programmable processor, including a machine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as a machine- readable signal. The term “machine-readable signal” refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and/or data to a programmable processor. The machine-readable medium can store such machine instructions non-transitorily, such as for example as would a non transient solid-state memory or a magnetic hard drive or any equivalent storage medium. The machine-readable medium can alternatively or additionally store such machine instructions in a transient manner, such as for example as would a processor cache or other random access memory associated with one or more physical processor cores.

[057] To provide for interaction with a user, one or more aspects or features of the subject matter described herein can be implemented on a computer having a display device, such as for example a cathode ray tube (CRT) or a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a light emitting diode (LED) monitor for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device, such as for example a mouse or a trackball, by which the user may provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user as well. For example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, such as for example visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user may be received in any form, including, but not limited to, acoustic, speech, or tactile input. Other possible input devices include, but are not limited to, touch screens or other touch- sensitive devices such as single or multi-point resistive or capacitive trackpads, voice recognition hardware and software, optical scanners, optical pointers, digital image capture devices and associated interpretation software, and the like.

[058] In the descriptions above and in the claims, phrases such as “at least one of’ or “one or more of’ may occur followed by a conjunctive list of elements or features. The term “and/or” may also occur in a list of two or more elements or features. Unless otherwise implicitly or explicitly contradicted by the context in which it is used, such a phrase is intended to mean any of the listed elements or features individually or any of the recited elements or features in combination with any of the other recited elements or features. For example, the phrases “at least one of A and B;” “one or more of A and B;” and “A and/or B” are each intended to mean “A alone, B alone, or A and B together.” A similar interpretation is also intended for lists including three or more items. For example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C;” “one or more of A, B, and C;” and “A, B, and/or C” are each intended to mean “A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A and B and C together.” Use of the term “based on,” above and in the claims is intended to mean, “based at least in part on,” such that an unrecited feature or element is also permissible. [059] The implementations set forth in the foregoing description do not represent all implementations consistent with the subject matter described herein. Instead, they are merely some examples consistent with aspects related to the described subject matter. Although a few variations have been described in detail herein, other modifications or additions are possible. In particular, further features and/or variations can be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, the implementations described above can be directed to various combinations and sub-combinations of the disclosed features and/or combinations and sub combinations of one or more features further to those disclosed herein. In addition, the logic flows depicted in the accompanying figures and/or described herein do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. The scope of the following claims may include other implementations or embodiments.